Surface, the world’s largest annual floor-covering trade show, recently introduced the latest in flooring fashions to attendees hungry to pick up new trends. Manufacturers from around the globe convened in Las Vegas to show off new floor-covering looks and styles that ranged from glazed Moroccan tiles to hand-chiseled hardwood.

Overall, according to retailer group World Floor Covering Association, the biggest flooring trends are vibrant colors, plush textures, luxurious looks and customized rugs.

Tiles for offices, dens and bathroom floors were presented in a wide variety of materials, including glass, porcelain, cement, rubber, brightly colored aluminum – and even pony hair.

Many manufacturers displayed one-of-a-kind pieces. Hand-painted tiles measuring from a half-inch to a full foot were shown, as were leather tiles in flat jewel tones and animal prints. Carpets and area rugs were on show in nearly every color, material and look imaginable, from hand-woven silk to leather.

If all these sound expensive, think again. There were stylish products for every budget.

Tops in both price and desirability were gorgeous, highly detailed, pure wool rugs from New Zealand. However, retailing at $30 or more a square foot, they are not for everyone.

Much more affordable are synthetic silks, cottons and other plant fibers, which were shown in tight weaves; in thick shag with strands wider than a half inch; and with long feathery tufts that came in shades of fluorescent pink, emerald green and bright yellow.

As in previous years, banana leaf and sisal were also shown in abundance. Basket weaves and knotted rugs appeared among coverings for patios, living rooms and sun rooms.

Woods from such exotic locales as South America and Thailand were exhibited as wide planks, reclaimed antique and stalks of natural bamboo laid side by side.

Many companies publicized their efforts to create flooring using sustainable materials and to replenish the forests.

In addition, a number of manufacturers offered a variety of “green” products, including cork, bamboo and linoleum. Only the bark is used in making cork floor coverings, so the rest of the tree is left intact. Cork comes in a variety of colors and styles. Bamboo has been on the floor-covering scene for a number of years, but recent advances mean finer detail and darker shades.

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